The Haunting

Chapter 19

Vanessa walked into Mr. Drew's classroom and over to his desk. He was reading his book, The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks. He hadn't noticed her entrance.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair and said, "Mr. Drew?"

He looked up after bookmarking his page. "Vanessa. I know what you're going to say."

She shrugged and walked over to her desk. "I just don't know what to do. I've been avoiding the subject as long as you have because neither one of us has made the effort to call each other."

He pursed his lips together. "Well, you know about my feelings for you..."

"As do you mine," she mumbled, blushing furiously.

"Look, Vanessa. We can't really be... involved... the way we were with each other." He paused. "You lied to me."

"I did no such thing!" she said, exasperated.

"You were at an over-twenty-one bar, Vanessa. And you're only seventeen."

"How old are you?" she inquired.

"Twenty-seven."

Vanessa sighed. It was exactly a week ago that she dumped Theo after he broke her heart. Exactly a week ago when she met Eric. A man ten years older. A man who taught English and philosophy.

At her school.

To her.

It was the best yet shortest relationship she'd ever been in.

"Mr. Drew..." She pursed her lips together as she measured her words. "I don't want to be without you."

"Vanessa. You're making this harder than it has to be. Just, please, get out. Forget everything."

Something ached inside of her. She knew those few words all too well; She used them to break up with Theo.

"So, you're just going to forget everything that's happened?" she asked, her heart plummeting. She knew what he was going to do before he even did it. "Well, I'm sorry I've wasted your time." Her bottom lip trembled. "I hope you like your coffee!"

He gasped as she threw the hot coffee on his shirt. His cold heart would freeze it. Before he could see her cry, she sprinted out of the room. Halfway out of the school, she pulled off her heels.

Screw him. You don't need him, she told herself.

When she made it to Dorm Hall 12, her cell vibrated. Halting at the entrance to the building, breathing heavily, she opened the text message.

Got a secret, little Vanessa? Hmm... I'm sure you don't want your little boyfriend caught for being in an... intimate... relationship with a student. Good thing you dumped him! But if you ever do that again, just know I'm right there watching you.

Oh, and I have proof if you do it again.

-M

Vanessa gasped, her heart pounding hard. Who the hell would send this...?

She clicked on the attachment and again sucked in air sharply.

It was her and Eric. He was kissing her. She knew the place. It was when Eric beat up Theo outside of the bar.

Holy shit.